Bed sheet for secure placement of a child

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates more specifically to a bed sheet for secure placement of a child which provides breathable elements and/or a truss for preventing the child from being crushed or suffocated when a parent occupies a bed with the child. The bed sheet comprises at least one bumper extending upwardly from the top surface of the sheet. The bumpers form a substantially continuous closed wall that defines a secure area for the child to be placed. In one aspect of the invention, the bumper has an air flow passage that prevents suffocation of the child if the child&#39;s mouth and nose are forced against the bumper. In another aspect of the invention, a truss is disposed across and above at least a portion of the secure area when inserted into the bumpers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a bed sheet for secure placement of a child. The present invention relates more specifically to a bed sheet for secure placement of a child which provides breathable elements and/or a truss for preventing the child from being crushed or suffocated when a parent occupies a bed with the child.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parents of newborn children often sleep in the same bed as the child to encourage comfort of the child and convenience for the parent. Unfortunately, this practice has led to numerous deaths or near-deaths as a result of the parent rolling over in his or her sleep and suffocating the child, the parent moving in his or her sleep and pushing the child off of the bed, the parent moving in his or her sleep causing the bed coverings (blanket, duvet, etc.) to cover the mouth and nose of the child causing suffocation, or the child rolling over in its sleep and suffocating or falling off the bed.

While some parents have avoided these risks by sleeping separately from the child, others are reluctant to do so. Therefore, a number of solutions have been proposed for attempting to prevent these risks from occurring.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,666 to Laiso relates to a pocket pillow and sheet combination comprising a sheet having a plurality of pockets on a reverse side thereof for the insertion of particular pillows. The pillows comprise a head pillow and side pillows spaced from one another and base pillows spaced from the head pillow defining a sleeping space therebetween. The side pillows comprise one or more contoured pillows while the base pillows comprise crescent shaped pillows which may be added or subtracted depending upon the elevation desired or the size of an individual located within the sleeping area. The contoured pillows may comprise a plurality of shaped strips having Velcro® or hook and loop fasteners to attach to one another to achieve a predetermined shape. The arrangement taught by Laiso is not able to prevent a parent from accidentally affecting the child, nor is it able to prevent a child from falling off a bed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,734 to Pollard relates to a bumper sheet including an array of pockets in which relatively soft yet form-retaining inserts (such as foam plastic cylinders or inflatable bladders) are removably fitted to define a bumper area enclosing a sleeping or rest area within the confines of a crib, bed rails or the like. The arrangement taught by Pollard is likely to prevent a child from moving beyond the bumper area, however the bumpers present a suffocation hazard to the child. If a child were to turn so as to contact any bumper with its mouth and nose, the child is likely to suffocate. Furthermore, the bumpers do not prevent suffocation due to a parent accidentally covering the face of a child with a bed covering.

Therefore, what is required is a means to prevent a parent from either rolling over and suffocating a child or accidentally causing bed coverings to suffocate a child, while also preventing the child from suffocating as a result of turning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects of the invention will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a bed sheet for secure placement of a child in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the bed sheet having four optional sleeves adapted to receive four bumpers by insertion.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an alternative securing arrangement for the bumpers without showing the bed sheet and optional sleeves.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of three potential means of securing a sleeve to a bed sheet.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of two potential means of securing the bed sheet to a bed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the bed sheet being disposed around the width of a head portion of the bed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up front perspective view of two crescent shaped bumpers comprising air flow passages attached by a truss in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up front perspective view of one arrangement for removably securing the truss to the bumpers.

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up front perspective view of a second arrangement for removably securing the truss to the bumpers.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of a third arrangement for removably securing the truss to the bumpers.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of a support disposed approximately midway across the truss.

FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up front perspective view of functional elements housed in the support.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the bumper arrangement in which a plurality of recesses are provided for storing accessories

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the bumper arrangement shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of the bumper arrangement shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front perspective view of a folding bumper.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front perspective view of a travel bag connected at one corner thereof to one corner of the bed sheet.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Also, unless indicated otherwise, except within the claims, the use of “or” includes “and” and vice-versa. Non-limiting terms are not to be construed as limiting unless expressly stated or the context clearly indicates otherwise (for example “including”, “having” and “comprising” typically indicate “including without limitation”). Singular forms including in the claims such as “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless expressly stated otherwise.

The invention will be explained in details by referring to the figures.

The present invention provides a bed sheet for secure placement of a child. The present invention enables a parent to occupy the same bed as a child with a greatly reduced risk of rolling onto, crushing, or suffocating the child.

The present invention, in an aspect thereof, provides a bed sheet for secure placement of a child in which the bed sheet comprises at least one bumper extending upwardly from the bed sheet's top surface. The at least one bumper forms a substantially continuous closed wall defining a secure area. The at least one bumper has at least one air flow passage at least partially disposed substantially adjacent the top surface of the bed sheet within the secure area.

The air flow passage enables a child to be able to breathe despite the possibility of the child's mouth and nose being forced against the bumper. Such a position can result from movement caused by the parent (for example, being pushed by the parent while sleeping) or by movement of the child (for example, the child rolling over in his or her sleep). The air flow passage allows air to be channelled from an area not covered by the child's mouth and nose to an area covered by the child's mouth and nose.

Additionally or alternatively, a mattress may be placed within the secure area. The mattress may include one or more air flow passages, particularly along the head portion of the mattress.

The present invention, in another aspect thereof, provides a bed sheet for secure placement of a child in which the bed sheet comprises at least one bumper extending upwardly from the bed sheet's top surface. The at least one bumper forms a substantially continuous closed wall defining a secure area. A truss is adapted for insertion into apertures disposed in the at least one bumper. The truss is inserted into the aperture and disposed across and above at least a portion of the secure area when inserted.

The truss forms a protective structure over the child when the child is placed in the secure area. For example, if a bed covering is accidentally placed over the child (for example, a parent accidentally moving the bed covering over the secure area), the bed covering will be suspended a distance over the child, preventing the bed covering from covering the child's mouth and nose causing suffocation.

The truss may include a support disposed approximately midway thereacross, for suspending or holding a mobile and/or one or more functional elements above a child placed in the secure area.

The bumpers may also include one or more recesses for storing accessories, such as bottles, soothers, toys, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a bed sheet for secure placement of a child in accordance with the present invention. The bed sheet (1) comprises a top surface (shown) and a bottom surface (not shown). The bed sheet may be a flat or fitted sheet and can be sized to fit any bed. The bed sheet may include a cord (9) and lock mechanism (17) or tie (18) disposed substantially around its periphery for securing the bed sheet to a bed, as seen more particularly in FIG. 5.

Alternatively, the bed sheet of the present invention can be provided to fit a portion of a bed. For example, the bed sheet may be tubular or foldable into a substantially tubular arrangement. The sheet may be disposed around the width or length of a portion of the bed from the top of the bed to underneath the bed. FIG. 6, for example, illustrates the bed sheet being disposed around the width of a head portion of the bed. In this arrangement, the bed sheet may be secured to the bed by one or more cord (9) and lock mechanisms (17) or ties (18) disposed along all or a portion of the bed sheet disposed underneath the bed. One or more rigid elements (19), such as rigid plastic strips for example, may be fixedly secured along one or more edges of the bed sheet disposed underneath the bed to retain flatness of the bed sheet, particularly when secured to the bed.

Extending upwardly from a portion of the top surface of the bed sheet (1) is at least one bumper forming a substantially continuous closed wall defining a secure area. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, four bumpers (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) may be provided forming a substantially rectangular secure area. In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, an opposing set of crescent shapes (20) may be provided forming a substantially elliptical secure area. In this arrangement, opposing cresent-shaped bumpers are provided, each bumper having a first end and a second end, the first ends being substantially adjacent to one another and the second ends being substantially adjacent to one another so as to define the substantially elliptical secure area.

The bumpers may be fixedly secured to the sheet, for example by gluing or stitching the bumpers to the sheet. The bumpers may alternatively be removably secured to the sheet, for example by means of one or more buttons, snaps, Velcro™ strips, or the like. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, at least one sleeve may be fixedly or removably secured to the sheet, each sleeve being formed so as to enable placement of a bumper therein. In this case, the bumper is an insert for the sleeve.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, four sleeves (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D), for example, may be stitched (14) to the top surface of the bed sheet as shown in FIG. 4B, snapped (15) to the top surface of the bed sheet as shown in FIG. 4C, or attached by Velcro strips (16) to the top surface of the bed sheet as shown in FIG. 4D. A bumper (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) may be slidably inserted into each sleeve (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, respectively). Preferably, the opening of each sleeve is sized substantially equally to the cross section of the bumper so as to firmly hold the bumper in place when inserted.

It should be understood that the bumper may also be placed inside of a sleeve prior to securing the sleeve to the bed sheet. It should also be understood that the sleeve and/or bumper may also be secured to the bottom surface of the bed sheet, so as to extend upwardly from the bed sheet when the bed sheet is laid flat on top of a bed. Separate sleeves may also be secured to both the top and bottom surface of the bed sheet to provide a reversible bed sheet, so that the secured area can be placed to one side or the other of the bed, as desired by the parent.

To provide additional rigidity to the closed wall, each bumper may be secured to one or more of its adjacent bumpers. For example, a screw (4A) may be provided for axial insertion to one bumper (3C) and radial insertion in an adjacent bumper (3A), in the case of a rectangular secure area. Similar screws (4B, 4C, 4D) may be provided for securing the remaining bumpers (3D to 3A, 3C to 3B, and 3D to 3B, respectively).

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an alternative securing arrangement for the bumpers without showing the bed sheet and optional sleeves. Each bumper (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) may be formed by a substantially rigid, but forgiving, plastic or foam or could be air inflatable. Optionally, each bumper may include a reinforcement bar (10) disposed substantially coaxially within the plastic or foam.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, four bumpers are shown forming a substantially rectangular closed area. In this example, disposed coaxially at each of the reinforcement bars (10) of two opposing bumpers is a rigid insert (11), preferably formed of a metal such as steel or a rigid plastic. The rigid insert (11) includes an aperture (not shown) disposed radially and accessible preferably from the outer surface of the bumper (2D for example) opposite the secure area. The aperture enables insertion and securing of a screw (12), by threaded engagement for example, while preventing insertion of a screw head.

Disposed radially substantially at the end of the two other opposing bumpers is a rigid bracket (13), preferably formed of a metal such as steel or a rigid plastic. The rigid bracket (13) includes an aperture enabling insertion of the screw (12). The rigid bracket (13) is adapted to be inserted into the rigid insert (11). The screw (12) can then be inserted into the bumper having the rigid insert, through the aperture in the rigid insert, and threadably engaging the aperture in the rigid bracket for securing the two bumpers to one another. It should be understood that the placement of the rigid brackets and rigid inserts could be reversed, or each bumper may have a rigid bracket at one end and a rigid insert at the other end, provided that each bumper is securable to an adjacent bumper.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up front perspective view of two crescent shaped bumpers attached by a truss in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 7B and 7C in particular illustrate the bumper having at least one air flow passage at least partially disposed substantially adjacent the top surface within the secure area formed by the bumpers, in accordance with the present invention in one aspect thereof. By at least partially disposing the at least one air flow passage in this arrangement, the air flow passage is accessible to a child whose mouth and nose are forced against the bumper while the child is in the secure area.

In FIG. 7B for example, each air flow passage may be at least two apertures disposed in the bumper permitting air flow therebetween. The at least two apertures may comprise one aperture (21) disposed substantially adjacent the top surface within the secure area formed by the bumpers and another aperture disposed outside of the secure area. Alternatively, the at least two apertures may comprise two apertures (21, 22) disposed substantially adjacent the top surface within the secure area, for example at a far enough distance that if one is covered by the child's mouth and nose, the other is likely to be uncovered.

In FIG. 7C for example, each air flow passage may be a recess formed in the bumper. The recess (33) may be formed such that at least a portion of the recess is disposed substantially adjacent the top surface within the secure area formed by the bumpers. Preferably the length of the recess is longer than an amount that could be covered by a child whose mouth and nose are forced against the bumper while the child is in the secure area. Preferably the width of the recess is narrower than the amount that could be covered by a child whose mouth and nose are forced against the bumper, thus ensuring air flow in the recess.

If sleeves are provided for the bumpers, the sleeves may either have apertures matching the air flow passages to the bumpers, or can be made from a breathable material. In the latter case, the sleeve is preferably tightly fitted over the bumper when inserted, such that an air gap exists between the sleeve and the air flow passage to ensure air flow.

Additionally or alternatively, a mattress may be placed within the secure area. The mattress (7) may include one or more air flow passages, particularly along the head portion of the mattress.

In another aspect of the present invention, the truss shown in FIG. 7 also helps prevent suffocation of a child. The truss forms a protective structure over the child when the child is placed in the secure area. For example, if a bed covering is accidentally placed over the child (for example, a parent accidentally moving the bed covering over the secure area), the bed covering will be suspended a distance over the child, preventing the bed covering from covering the child's mouth and nose causing suffocation. In another example, the truss prevents a parent from rolling onto the child in the secure area.

The truss may comprise at least one substantially rigid post that extends from one bumper a first end of the truss to an opposing bumper at a second end of the truss. Preferably, at least three interconnected posts are provided for increased rigidity of the truss, each post having two ends. The truss shown in FIG. 7, for example, has four posts (24, 25, 26, 27), two extending from each bumper at one end of each post and joined by a support (29) to one another above a portion of the secure area at the other end of each post.

The truss may be a curved rigid member, such as being substantially arc shaped. The truss may alternatively be any shape enabling placement of the child within the secure area while the truss is disposed across and above at least a portion of the secure area.

The truss may be removably secured to the bumpers from which it extends. For example, each bumper may include one or more insert apertures. The truss may correspondingly be adapted at its ends to be inserted into the insert apertures. Optionally, a greater number of apertures than posts can be provided for enabling selective placement of the truss along the bumper. Alternatively, the apertures can be formed in the truss with inserts on the bumpers, or any other mating arrangement.

FIG. 8 illustrates one arrangement for removably securing the truss to the bumpers. Each bumper includes a plurality of substantially similar insert apertures (28) disposed along the top surface of the bumper at an angle substantially perpendicular the top surface of the bumper. Each post (24, 27) of the truss can be inserted into one of the apertures (28).

FIG. 9 illustrates a second arrangement for removably securing the truss to the bumpers. This arrangement is substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 8 except that the inserts and the ends of each post are threaded for providing a threadable engagement therebetween.

FIG. 10 illustrates a third arrangement for removably securing the truss to the bumpers. Each bumper includes a plurality of substantially similar insert apertures (28) disposed at an angle substantially parallel the top surface of the bed sheet and outside of secure area. The ends of opposing posts (24 to 25, 26 to 27) of the truss extend toward each other, enabling each post (24, 25, 26, 27) to be inserted into one of the apertures (28) at an angle parallel the top surface of the bed sheet.

The truss can also be used for placement of a nursery mobile or one or more functional elements above the secure area. The truss may include a support disposed approximately midway thereacross. The support may be adapted to hold a mobile above a child placed in the secure area. FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of a support (29) disposed approximately midway across the truss. A mobile (30) may be fixedly or removably suspended from the support.

FIG. 12 illustrates functional elements housed in the support. The support (29) may also be used to house one or more functional elements, including for example a light (31), an intercom speaker and/or an intercom microphone, a music speaker as well as controls for the functional elements. For example, a light (31) may be controlled by light on/off/dimmer touchpad and/or a night light touchpad (33). The music speaker may be controlled by a music on/off touchpad (34).

The functional elements may be disposed on the top surface of the support, away from the secure area so as to be inaccessible to a child placed in the secure area. Disposing the functional elements on the top surface of the support also enables a light, as one of the functional elements, to provide ambient light rather than shine directly at the child. It should be understood that the functional elements may be disposed on any other surface of the support or inside the support.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the bumper arrangement of the present invention in which a plurality of recesses are provided for storing accessories, such as bottles, soothers, toys, etc. FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the bumper arrangement shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of the bumper arrangement shown in FIG. 13. One or more recesses (35, 36, 37) of various shapes, such as rectangular or circular, may be provided. The recesses may be disposed from the top surface of the bumper approximately half way through the bumper. The recesses may be accessible at an angle substantially perpendicular the top surface of the bumper.

Preferably, at least some of the recesses (35, 37) are shaped and sized to securely hold common accessories, such as bottles. If sleeves are provided, the sleeves may include apertures in matching relationship to the recesses enabling placement of accessories therein.

An enhancement includes providing foldable bumpers. FIG. 16 illustrates a folding bumper. For example, each bumper may include one or more slits from its top surface to just above its bottom surface. The bumper may be foldable along the bottom surface.

Another enhancement includes a travel bag for the bed sheet of the present invention. FIG. 17 illustrates the travel bag (38), which may be connected at one corner thereof to a corner of the bed sheet. The bed sheet may be removed from the bag and placed around the bag and bed for use. 

1. A bed sheet for secure placement of a child, the bed sheet comprising: a sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface; at least one bumper extending upwardly from the top surface and forming a substantially continuous closed wall defining a secure area, the bumper having at least one air flow passage at least partially disposed substantially adjacent the top surface within the secure area.
 2. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air flow passage is at least two apertures disposed in the bumper permitting air flow therebetween.
 3. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air flow passage is a recess formed in the bumper.
 4. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one sleeve disposed on the sheet along the closed wall, wherein each bumper is an insert for insertion into the at least one sleeve.
 5. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sleeve is tightly fitted over the insert when inserted, such that an air gap exists between the sleeve and the air flow passage.
 6. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein two opposing crescent-shaped bumpers are provided, each bumper having a first end and a second end, the first ends being substantially adjacent to one another and the second ends being substantially adjacent to one another.
 7. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein four bumpers are provided for defining a substantially rectangular secure area.
 8. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one sleeve is formed on the top surface.
 9. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one sleeve is formed on the bottom surface.
 10. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one sleeve is removably secured on the top surface.
 11. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one sleeve is removably secured on the bottom surface.
 12. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bumper includes one or more recesses accessible at an angle substantially perpendicular the top surface, the one or more recesses defining one or more pockets for storage of accessories.
 13. A bed sheet for secure placement of a child, the bed sheet comprising: a sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface; at least one bumper upwardly extending from the top surface forming a substantially continuous closed wall defining a secure area, the at least one bumper having a plurality of insert apertures; a truss having at least two ends, each end adapted for insertion into at least two of the insert apertures, the truss disposed across and above at least a portion of the secure area when inserted.
 14. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 13, wherein the truss is a curved rigid member.
 15. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 13, wherein the truss is a plurality of interconnected rigid posts.
 16. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 13, wherein the truss includes a support disposed approximately midway thereacross, the support adapted to suspend a mobile above a child placed in the secure area.
 17. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 13, wherein the truss includes a support disposed approximately midway thereacross, the support adapted to hold one or more functional elements above a child placed in the secure area.
 18. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 13, wherein the insert apertures are disposed at an angle substantially perpendicular the top surface.
 19. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 13, wherein the insert apertures are disposed at an angle substantially parallel the top surface and outside of the secure area, and wherein at least two of the ends of the truss extend toward one another.
 20. The bed sheet as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bumper includes one or more recesses accessible at an angle substantially perpendicular the top surface, the one or more recesses defining one or more pockets for storage of accessories. 